MS HB1218

Requires the Mississippi Gulf Coast Region Utility Board to obtain Public Service Commission approval for its annual budget prior to final approval by the utility board.

Requires Public Service Commission approval for numerous utility board powers including maintaining office space, owning or leasing property, investing funds, employing staff, entering into contracts, and making rules and regulations.

Requires the executive director and secretary-treasurer to hold a college degree and post a bond of at least $50,000 conditioned on faithful performance of duties.

Establishes that the utility board is governed by a board of directors composed of the president of each county authority plus three at-large directors appointed by the Governor for six-year terms.

Sections 49-17-709, 49-17-711, and 49-17-713 are set to expire July 1, 2016, with the act taking effect July 1, 2016.